The nomenclature of the bonefish family Albulidae is currently in a state of revision. Until recently, bonefish were considered to be comprised of two species, the circumglobal Albula vulpes and the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific Albula nemoptera; however, new molecular genetic information indicates that there are at least eight morphologically indistinguishable, but genetically distinct species (Colborn et al. 2001). Wallace and Tringali (2010) have recently found nine distinct species. This species is newly described, based on five specimens collected from Korea and Taiwan. Its new scientific name, Albula koreana, is derived from its type locality, Korea (Kwun and Kim 2011).

Justification:Albula koreanais a newly described species of bonefish that occurs around the southeast coast of Korea (Busan) and the northern coast of Taiwan (Wanli). It is known from five specimens; little is known regarding life history, population status, adult ecology, or fisheries interactions. Fishing and habitat loss and degradation may pose the most significant threats to this species. Therefore, it is listed as Data Deficient.

Bonefishes are targeted by commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishers throughout the northwest Pacific; however, the contribution of this newly described species to the fishery is currently unknown.

Bonefishes are targeted by commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishers throughout the northwest Pacific; however, the contribution of this newly described species to the fishery is unknown. Fishing and habitat loss and degradation may pose the most significant threats to this species.